The World Cup holders begin their campaign on Tuesday and these France-Australia predictions look positive for the champions. The Blues have struggled in recent months but will be confident of a matchday one win.
Odds France vs Australia
1 – Victory of France – 3/11
2 – Under 2.5 goals scored – 5/4
3 – France will keep a clean sheet – 7/10
4 – Kylian Mbappe scores first – 3/1
5 – Oliver Giroud will score any time – 39/10
France kick off the World Cup with a match against the seventh lowest ranked team in the competition, Australia. The Socceroos enter the tournament after a solid qualifying campaign but have had limited recent experience against top-flight opponents.
The last few meetings have been less favorable for the Blues who, surprisingly, have won only one of their last six games. A combination of injuries and efforts to usher in a new era for the French stars has resulted in a poor performance in the Nations League and the World Cup will be a welcome opportunity to restore their reputation.
Despite their form, it’s no surprise that the current World Cup holders were favorites going into matchday one, coming up against a team that had never made it past the knockout stages.
That said, Tuesday’s game will be no walk in the park for France. They had a torrid spell against Australia in the 2018 edition of the competition, relying on a penalty and own goal to secure their progress.
Australia will create a low block, relying on big central defenders to clear whatever comes their way. Given their recent struggles up front, it wouldn’t be surprising to see France still struggling to beat their opponents and we’re backing a bet on under 2.5 goals scored.
A low goal tally will likely benefit the Blues as the Socceroos lack quality up front. France may lack their first choice defensive partner, but Australia may be too preoccupied with defense to offer a threat themselves.
As for the French threat, Didier Deschamps will bet heavily on two men in particular. Kylian Mbappe has been the face of French football since his last World Cup triumph and is our advice for scoring first.
However, it is Olivier Giroud who keeps his eye on the history books. The striker is within three goals of Thierry Henry’s all-time high for his country, and the Milan forward is used to scoring late goals as an opposition rubber.
How to stream France vs Australia
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France vs Australia last five games
France last five games
Denmark 2 – 0 France
France 2 – 0 Austria
France 0 – 1 Croatia
Austria 1 – 1 France
Croatia 1–1 France
Australia last five games
New Zealand 1-1 Australia
Australia 1-0 New Zealand
Australia 1-0 Peru
United Arab Emirates – Australia 1-2
Australia 2-0 Jordan
France’s top goalscorers in World Cup qualifying
Kylian Mbappe – 2
Adrian Rabiot – 1
Karim Benzema – 1
Olivier Giroud – 1
Australia’s top scorer in World Cup qualifying
Jamie Maclaren – 7
Harry Soutar – 6
Mitchell duc – 5
Jackson Irvin – 4
Matthew Leckie – 4
Compositions France vs Australia
France (3-4-1-2) Loris; Koundé, Saliba, Badiashile; Pavard, Tchouameni, Rabiot, Mendy; Griezmann; Giroud, Mbappe
Australia (4-5-1) Ryan; Atkinson, Wright, Rowles, Behich; Boyle, Mooy, Hrustic, Irvine, Leckie; Duke
The news of the French team
An injury-plagued side could result in an unconventional starting XI from Didier Deschamps. Injuries to Presnel Kimpembe e Rafael Varane means the manager is without his first choice centre-backs. Similarly, with Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante unavailable for selection, a younger midfield duo is expected. Karim Benzemala’s fitness remains an issue, which could set Olivier Giroud off.
Australian team news
Graham Arnold is unlikely to create too many surprises for Tuesday’s game. A defensive setup could see Matthew Leckie pick up the more attacking Martin Boyle, while Harry Soutar’s fitness could see the signature Bailey Wright in central defence.
